Clair Obscur Once Again Crowned GOTY 2025, and It’s Likely to Stir Controversy

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Controversial Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Wins GOTY and Indie Awards Despite Publisher Debate

Last week at the prestigious Game Awards 2025 ceremony, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 was awarded Game of the Year after winning numerous other awards throughout the evening. The broadcast drew over 171 million viewers. This victory is another cause for celebration at Sandfall Interactive, though the decision is likely to spark debate. The quality of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is not in question. However, its status as an independent production is under scrutiny. At The Game Awards, some critics argued that Clair Obscur Expedition 33 should not have been eligible for Best Independent Game and Best Independent Game Debut, citing its publisher. Clair Obscur Expedition 33’s Game of the Year win at the Indie Game Awards 2025, beating out nine other competitors including Hollow Knight Silksong, Blue Prince, Hades 2, and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, has further fueled this debate. Sandfall also received the Best Debut Game award at the event. Given that Sandfall benefits from Kepler Interactive’s financial support and the contributions of numerous external developers, some argue that it is unfair to include the game in competitions against titles created and published by individual developers.

Controversial Use of AI in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 Fueling Debate over Role in Indie Games

Adding to the controversy, the use of generative AI during the game’s development has sparked discussion about the role of AI in video games. According to producer Francois Meurisse, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 incorporated AI during its development. While some gamers believe that AI is a necessary evolution for smaller studios competing with larger budgets, others have raised concerns about intellectual property rights and the potential impact on creative professionals. No evidence suggests AI was used for final character designs or voiceovers in Clair Obscur. Some players, self-identified as Clair Obscur “Duollistes,” have voiced their disapproval of Sandfall Interactive’s limited use of AI in Clair Obscur Expedition 33. This criticism echoes concerns voiced after Swen Vincke, head of Baldur’s Gate 3 studio, commented on the use of generative AI in the upcoming Divinity project. Currently, the specific applications of AI in the game beyond placeholder images remain unclear. [Source: Indie Game Awards 2025] The ongoing success of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 highlights the evolving definition of “indie” and the growing role of AI in game development, conversations that are sure to continue within the industry.

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